Bio:

The Great designer, Taylour M. Upton is an Architectural Designer from Toledo, Ohio who acquired her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Cincinnati (DAAP) in Spring 2020. She received her B.S. in Architecture from The Ohio State University in 2015. Taylour has gained experience in primarily commercial projects and has been striving for #designequity in the profession and in spatial design. (Follow her Architectural Designer Instagram account @t_m_universal).

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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

I was introduced to architecture in high school via taking architectural design/CAD tech courses and placing in annual AIA Toledo High School Design Competitions. These experiences led me to pursue architecture in college, and I never looked back.

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What do you do?

I enjoy designing, learning, and teaching others, as well as traveling (and snapping photos along the way). I also love listening to various types of music, spending time with family and friends (and with myself), and exploring the Universe.

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What excites you in the work you do?

Architecture and design is a field that allows for continually learning and evolving, both as a professional and an individual. I love that, no matter how “experienced” I become in this work, there is always much more to explore.

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Who or what inspires you professionally?

#Designequity. It is of utmost importance to me and influences my approach to and implementation of design. Creating spaces (via architecture and urban planning) for communities instills a refreshing sense of awareness of the world and of humanity.

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What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

I take pride in striving towards #designequity, both inside and outside of the studio/firm. From revitalizing the Univ. of Cincinnati (DAAP) NOMA(S) chapter, to facilitating “The Un-site” as a lifelong work, I look forward to what is to come.

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Featured Project Name: 

The Un-site: by Black Women, for Black Women (book publication coming soon!)

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Featured Project Location: 

Atlanta, GA (and Beyond—this Network is projected to be Universal)

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

Spring 2020 (and Beyond—this is lifelong work)

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Role in Featured Project: 

Student, author/writer, creator/illustrator, photographer, promoter, advocate

 

Featured Project Description:

Located (primarily) in Atlanta, Georgia, a city with ample history and potential for continued and enhanced artistic and professional advancement of Black women, “The Un-site” stems from Black feminist thinking. It comprises multiple spaces (at Spelman College, Sweet Auburn, and Downtown)—a network grounded via iconographic establishment and infrastructure expansion—where women of color can envision and execute their progress with societal and economic pursuits in the urban context.

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Photography Credit:

Taylour M. Upton